Won Namkoong

July 18, 1934 - April 10, 2025

Won Namkoong, 90, of Henrico County, Virginia, died peacefully on April 10, 2025. Born in South Korea, he was the eldest child of Hyun Namkoong and Sookja Min Namkoong, a schoolboy during the Japanese occupation, and a graduate of Seoul High School and Seoul University, where he studied chemistry. Much else of his early life remains a mystery, but it is known he was a professional photographer, excellent dancer and international ladies man who spent time in Italy, Germany and Alabama before making his way to Virginia, where he farmed Korean vegetables in Harrisonburg. After meeting on a blind date in Richmond, he courted and wed his beloved Haeja in Surry County. They welcomed two children before relocating to Henrico, where they opened Max Video & Home Movies — the area’s first, and last, independent video sales and rental store. Won, who sold and serviced electronics, was affectionately known by customers as “Max” and “the Chinaman.”

He was preceded in death by his wife of 49 years, Haeja O Namkoong, in October 2024. He is survived by his children Melodie and Yuri; grandsons, Chad and Noah; and seven siblings Yuhon of Seoul, Hongja of Seoul, Ihnja of Virginia, Yea of New Jersey, Hark of Virginia, Hyung of Virginia, and Mihae of Maryland; their spouses; and a host of nieces and nephews.

A funeral for Won will be held Wednesday, April 16, 2025, at noon at Woody Funeral Home, 1771 N. Parham Road, Richmond, VA 23229, followed by burial at Westhampton Memorial Park.